Antenna device for high-frequency radio apparatus, high-frequency radio apparatus, and watch-shaped radio apparatus

ABSTRACT

An antenna device for a high-frequency radio apparatus that enables the apparatus to be made compact and improves its sensitivity. The antenna has an L-shaped antenna element, the shorter part of which extends perpendicularly from a circuit substrate which has a ground pattern formed thereon. The area of the orthogonal projection of the longer part of the L-shaped antenna element, which is spaced apart from the circuit substrate and substantially parallel to its surface which has the ground pattern formed thereon, is smaller than the area of the ground pattern. The antenna also has a feeding line which is substantially parallel to the shorter part of the L-shaped antenna element. A dielectric member, which also functions to secure various components, is placed close to the antenna element so as to set the resonance frequency of the antenna device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an antenna device used inhigh-frequency radio apparatuses and a compact-size high-frequency radioapparatus which uses the antenna device, and in particular, to a verycompact-size high-frequency radio apparatus such as a watch-shapedhigh-frequency radio apparatus and an antenna device used inhigh-frequency radio apparatuses.

Conventionally, a helical dipole antenna is generally used as an antennafor portable devices such as cellular phones which belongs tohigh-frequency radio apparatuses.

The helical dipole antenna is configured in a manner that it is drawnout from or kept contained into the case of a portable device when used.

Furthermore, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open PublicationNo.3-175826, there is also known another configuration in which anothertype of antenna is disposed within the case of a portable device so asto form a diversity together with a helical dipole antenna. As such anantenna for high-frequency radio apparatuses, which is incorporatedwithin the case, an inverted-F antenna has been used.

A thin card type portable apparatus for 2.4[GHz] band employs a chipantenna using ceramic material.

However, the above-stated helical dipole is still large to apparatusessuch as watch-size portable apparatuses which are demanded to be morecompact. It is difficult to simply incorporate the helical dipoleantenna into the apparatus case.

The degree of freedom for arrangement is low in the inverted-F antenna,since both its antenna element and its ground plate (main plate) areformed as an integral unit. As a result, the inverted-F antenna isdifficult to be made compact any more.

On the other hand, in the case of the ceramic chip antenna, although thechip antenna itself can be surface-mounted, an antenna including itsperipheral circuit is still large as a part. In addition, the chipantenna is fairly high in cost.

An object of the present invention is therefore to provide an antennadevice for a high-frequency radio apparatus, a high-frequency radioapparatus, and a watch-shaped radio apparatus, which can be made morecompact, increase sensitivity of the apparatus, and be prevented frombeing damaged by static electricity.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, an antenna device for ahigh-frequency radio apparatus is provided. The antenna device isconnected to both a ground pattern and a feeding point formed on acircuit substrate. The antenna device comprises a metal, L-shapedantenna element, one end of which is connected to the ground pattern;and a feeding line, one end of which is connected to the feeding pointand the other end of which is connected to a selected position on theantenna element so as to give the antenna device a predetermined valueof impedance.

In another aspect, an orthogonal projection of the antenna element ontothe plane defined in part by the ground pattern is included within thearea of the ground pattern.

In another aspect, the area of orthogonal projection of the antennaelement onto the plane defined in part by the ground pattern is smallerthan the area of the ground pattern.

In another aspect, the antenna element is shaped into a lead wire.

In another aspect, the antenna device further comprises a dielectricmember provided in the vicinity of the antenna element so as to set aresonance frequency of the antenna device to a predetermined value.

In another aspect, the dielectric member also functions to secure adisplay device, a circuit substrate, and a battery of the high-frequencyradio apparatus.

In another aspect, a length of the antenna element is one fourth of thewavelength of the frequency to be used.

According to another aspect of the invention, a high-frequency radioapparatus is provided which comprises an antenna device for thehigh-frequency radio apparatus. The antenna devices comprises a groundpattern; a feeding point; a metal, L-shaped antenna element, one end ofwhich is connected to the ground pattern; and a feeding line, one end ofwhich is connected to the feeding point and the other end of which isconnected to a selected position on the antenna element so as to givethe antenna device a predetermined value of impedance; wherein theantenna device is connected to both the ground pattern and the feedingpoint formed on a circuit substrate. The high-frequency radio apparatusfurther comprises a plurality of electrical circuits mounted on thecircuit substrate; and a display device for displaying information, thedisplay device being positioned one side of the circuit substrate;wherein the antenna device is positioned on the same side of the circuitsubstrate as the display device.

In another aspect, the high-frequency radio apparatus further comprisesa case which comprises a case body containing the antenna device, thedisplay device, and the circuit substrate; and a case back made ofconductive material. the high-frequency radio apparatus furthercomprises a battery having a plurality of electrodes for supplying powerto drive the high-frequency radio apparatus; wherein the case back iselectrically connected to either a ground pattern of the circuitsubstrate or the electrode of the battery.

According to another aspect of the invention, an antenna device for ahigh-frequency radio apparatus is provided. The antenna device isconnected to both a ground pattern and a feeding point defined by anarea formed on at least one layer of a multi-layer circuit substrate.The antenna device comprises a metal, L-shaped antenna element, one endof which is connected to the ground pattern; and a feeding line, one endof which is connected to the feeding point and the other end of which isconnected to a selected position on the antenna element so as to givethe antenna device a predetermined value of impedance.

In another aspect, an orthogonal projection of the antenna element ontothe plane defined in part by the ground pattern is included within thearea of the ground pattern.

In another aspect, the area of orthogonal projection of the antennaelement onto the plane defined in part by the ground pattern is smallerthan the area of the ground pattern.

In another aspect, the antenna element is shaped into a lead wire.

In another aspect, the antenna device further comprises a dielectricmember provided in the vicinity of the antenna element so as to set aresonance frequency of the antenna device to a predetermined value.

In another aspect, the dielectric member also functions to secure adisplay device, a circuit substrate, and a battery of the high-frequencyradio apparatus.

In another aspect, a length of the antenna element is one fourth of thewavelength of the frequency to be used.

According to another aspect of the invention, a high-frequency radioapparatus is provided which comprises an antenna device for ahigh-frequency radio apparatus. The antenna devices comprises a groundpattern; a feeding point; a metal, L-shaped antenna element, one end ofwhich is connected to the ground pattern; and a feeding line, one end ofwhich is connected to the feeding point and the other end of which isconnected to a selected position on the antenna element so as to givethe antenna device a predetermined value of impedance; wherein theantenna device is connected to both the ground pattern and the feedingpoint defined by an area formed on at least one layer of a multi-layercircuit substrate. The high-frequency radio apparatus further comprisesa plurality of electrical circuits mounted on the circuit substrate; anda display device for displaying information, the display device beingpositioned on one side of the circuit substrate; wherein the antennadevice is positioned on the same side of the circuit substrate as thedisplay device.

In another aspect, the high-frequency radio apparatus further comprisesa case comprising a case body containing the antenna device, the displaydevice; and the circuit substrate; and a case back, made of conductivematerial. The high-frequency radio apparatus further comprises a batteryfor supplying power to drive the high-frequency radio apparatus; whereinthe case back is electrically connected to either the ground pattern ofthe circuit substrate or an electrode of the battery.

According to another aspect of the invention, an antenna device for ahigh-frequency radio apparatus is provided, which comprises a circuitsubstrate with a ground pattern and a feeding point; a metal, L-shapedantenna element, one end of which is connected to the ground pattern;and a feeding line, one end of which is connected to the feeding pointand the other end of which is connected to the ground pattern; whereinthe antenna device is connected to both the ground pattern and thefeeding point.

In another aspect, the circuit substrate has a plurality of layers, thefeeding point and the ground pattern are formed on at least one layer ofthe plurality of layers, and the ground pattern covers approximately theentire surface of the layer on which the ground pattern is formed.

In another aspect, the ground pattern comprises an electrode patternformed on a surface of the circuit substrate.

In another aspect, the ground pattern is formed over approximately theentire surface of the circuit substrate and is positioned under theantenna element.

In another aspect, a length of the antenna element is one fourth of thewavelength of the frequency to be used.

According to another aspect of the invention, a high-frequency radioapparatus is provided which comprises a wristwatch-shaped case; and anantenna device for a high-frequency radio apparatus. The antenna devicescomprises a circuit substrate with a ground pattern and a feeding point;a metal, L-shaped antenna element, one end of which is connected to theground pattern; and a feeding line, one end of which is connected to thefeeding point and the other end of which is connected to the groundpattern; wherein the antenna device for the high-frequency radioapparatus is positioned within the wristwatch-shaped case, the antennadevice being connected to both the ground pattern and the feeding point.

In another aspect, the circuit substrate has a plurality of layers, thefeeding point and the ground pattern are formed on at least one layer ofthe plurality of layers, and the ground pattern covers approximately theentire surface of the layer on which the ground pattern is formed.

According to another aspect of the invention, an antenna device for ahigh-frequency radio apparatus is provided which comprises a circuitsubstrate having a ground pattern and a feeding point; a metal, L-shapedantenna element, one end of which is electrically connected to theground pattern; and a feeding line, one end of which is connected to theground pattern and the other end of which is connected to the feedingpoint, the feeding line extending from the circuit substrate.

In another aspect, the antenna element is made of a metal material andconnected to the ground pattern via a conductive member made of the samematerial as the antenna element, the antenna element and the conductivemember being integrally formed into an L-shape.

According to another aspect of the invention, a watch-shaped radioapparatus is provided which comprises a case and an antenna device for ahigh-frequency radio apparatus. The antenna device comprises a circuitsubstrate having a ground pattern positioned within the case; an antennaelement, one end of which is electrically connected to the groundpattern, the antenna element extending from the circuit substrate andbeing in contact with an upper surface of the case; and a feeding line,one end of which is connected to the ground pattern and the other end ofwhich is connected to a feeding point, the feeding line extending fromthe circuit substrate. The watch-shaped radio apparatus furthercomprises a radio circuit formed on the circuit substrate, the radiocircuit being connected to the antenna device, wherein the case has ashape of a wristwatch and contains both the antenna device and thecircuit substrate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a watch-shaped radioapparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the top of the watch-shapedradio apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a plan view showing an inverted-F antenna of the firstembodiment.

FIG. 3B is a front view showing the inverted-F antenna of the firstembodiment.

FIG. 4A is a plan view showing an inverted-F antenna of a secondembodiment.

FIG. 4B is a front view showing the inverted-F antenna of the secondembodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a mounted state of the inverted-F antenna.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view showing the part of an antenna of thewatch-shaped radio apparatus in order to exemplify a retainingmechanism.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of another example of the retaining mechanism.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an example for forming a ground pattern ona multilayer substrate.

FIG. 9 shows a cross section of the multilayer substrate in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a characteristic of the inverted-Fantenna.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic sectional view of a watch-shaped radioapparatus according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows a schematic perspective view from the top of thewatch-shaped radio apparatus.

FIG. 13A is a plan view showing an inverted-L antenna of the thirdembodiment.

FIG. 13B is a front view showing the inverted-L antenna of the thirdembodiment.

FIG. 14A is a plan view showing a mounted inverted-L antenna of a fourthembodiment.

FIG. 14B is a front view showing the mounted inverted-L antenna of thefourth embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates a mounted state of the inverted-L antenna.

FIG. 16A is a plan view showing an inverted-L antenna according to afifth embodiment.

FIG. 16B is a front view showing the inverted-L antenna according to thefifth embodiment.

FIG. 17A is a plan view showing the mounted inverted-L antenna of thefifth embodiment.

FIG. 17B is a front view showing the mounted inverted-L antenna of thefifth embodiment.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a characteristic of the inverted-Lantenna.

FIG. 19 illustrates a mounted state of the inverted-L antenna accordingto the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view showing a watch-shaped radio apparatus of asixth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view from the top of the watch-shapedradio apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 22A is an outer oblique view (part 1) of a case on which an antennaelement is secured.

FIG. 22B is an outer oblique view (part 2) of a case on which an antennaelement is secured.

FIG. 23 illustrates a first modification of the embodiments.

FIG. 24A is an outer oblique view (part 1) of an antenna unit accordingto a second modification.

FIG. 24B is a sectional view (part 1) of the antenna unit according tothe second modification.

FIG. 25A is an outer oblique view (part 2) of the antenna unit accordingto the second modification.

FIG. 25B is a sectional view (part 2) of the antenna unit according tothe second modification.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments ofthe present invention will now be described.

[1] First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a watch-shaped radio apparatusaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, there is provided an inverted-F antenna 1, which is formedthree-dimensionally and incorporated in a watch-shaped radio apparatus100 as an antenna device for a high-frequency radio apparatus.

The inverted-F antenna 1 comprises an antenna element 1A and a feedingline 1B.

The antenna element 1A is made of metal and formed into an L-shape insection. The antenna element 1A is fixedly connected to a ground pattern(earth pattern) mounted on a circuit substrate 2. Soldering is a normalway to connect the antenna element 1A to the circuit substrate 2.

The feeding line 1B is conductibly secured at a given position on theantenna element 1A.

The circuit substrate 2 of the watch-shaped radio apparatus 100 issandwiched from its upper and lower sides by plastic members 3 and 5.

In the plastic member 3, a micro nut 13 is inserted and formed inadvance. The circuit substrate 2 is secured by applying a micro screw 14to the micro nut 13 through the plastic member 5 from under the plasticmember 3.

Securing the plastic member 3 to the circuit substrate 2 allows aconductive rubber 12 to be pressed onto the circuit substrate 2. Bymeans of this conductive rubber 12, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)panel 10 is electrically connected to an LCD-driving pattern mounted onthe circuit substrate 2.

An electric circuit 8 is mounted on the lower surface of the circuitsubstrate 2 and includes a radio circuit consisting of electric parts.

In FIG. 1, the electric circuit 8 is illustrated as a rectangular modulefor the sake of simplifying the drawing. Instead of such a module, theparts of the electric circuit 8 can be mounted directly on the substrate2.

A button type battery 6 is used as a power source of the watch-shapedradio apparatus. The button type battery 6, which is secured on themember 5, is electrically connected to a case back 7 via a conductiveplate which is not shown.

A cover glass 9 is fixedly arranged on a watchcase 4. The display of theLCD 10 can therefore be seen through the cover glass 9. The watchcase 4and the case back 7 are secured by, usually, screwing.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the top of the watch-shapedradio apparatus 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, a ground pattern 15 is formed on the circuitsubstrate 2.

Since it is often the case that the watchcase itself has a curved-lineshape by virtue of design, the circuit substrate 2 is not necessarily arectangular. However in many cases, it may be formed into a curved outershape or folded-line outer shape. Accordingly, arranging parts and anelectrode pattern such as the ground pattern 15 on the circuit substrate2 in agreement with the shape of the circuit substrate 2 leads toeffective utilization of the substrate area for miniaturizing theapparatus.

FIG. 3A is a plan view of the inverted-F antenna 1 of the firstembodiment, while FIG. 3B is a front view thereof.

The inverted-F antenna 1 comprises, as descried above, the plate antennaelement 1A folded into an L-shape at one end and the feeding line 1B.

It is preferable that the antenna element 1A be made of materials, suchas copper, whose conductivity is high. It is also possible to usehigh-conductivity materials as the surface plating.

The feeding line 1B is conductibly secured at a position on theinverted-F antenna 1A in a way that the inverted-F antenna 1A may have apredetermined value of impedance after its securing. The value ofimpedance is, for example, 50 [Ω]. The feeding line 1B isperpendicularly linked to the antenna element 1A.

In order to keep electric resistance to be low, it is preferred thatantenna element 1A and feeding line 1B be connected to each other bybrazing or soldering.

[2] Second Embodiment

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a second embodiment of the present invention. Inthese FIGS. 4A and 4B, the same or identical reference numerals as tothose in FIGS. 1 to 3 are shown with the same reference numerals.

FIG. 4A is a plan view showing a mounted state of the inverted-F antenna1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4B is, on the other hand, isa front view showing the mounted state of the inverted-F antenna 1 ofthe second embodiment.

On the upper surface of a circuit substrate 21, an electric conductorpattern (plane electrodes) 22 is arranged.

One end of the antenna element 1A is conductibly secured to theconductor pattern 22.

The feeding line 1B is conductibly connected to a feeding terminalpattern 23 mounted on the circuit substrate 21. In this configuration,it is also possible to use a hole pattern as the feeding terminalpattern 23, which is a through hole formed through the circuit substrate21, and solder the feeding line 23, after inserted into the holepattern.

Further, the feeding terminal pattern 23 is linked to the ground (earth)potential in DC (direct current) to a signal supplied from theinverted-F antenna 1.

For the sake of easier understanding, FIGS. 4A and 4B does not showcircuit parts and other structural components structured on the circuitsubstrate 21, but only show the antenna part.

The length of the antenna element 1A, which composes the inverted-Fantenna 1, is approximately a quarter of a wavelength of a frequency tobe used, including its folded portion; for example, approximately 3 [cm]at a frequency of 2.5 [GHz].

The feeding line 1B is connected to a position on the antenna element 1Aso that the position corresponds to a predetermined value of impedance(for example, 50 [Ω]) to the ground potential in the vicinity of thefeeding terminal pattern 23.

Impedance values of circuit terminals and wiring are determined so thatthe impedance of signal lines connecting with the feeding terminalpattern 23 from a not-shown circuit is also set to an identical value(for example, 50 [Ω]).

Specifically, concerning signal lines connected to the feeding terminalpattern 23, it is preferable, in matching the inverted-F antenna 1 withthe signal lines, that the signal lines be formed by strip lines, with agiven value of impedance, arranged on the back (not shown) of thecircuit substrate 21.

Theoretically, it is best that the inverted-F antenna 1 be arranged atthe center of the ground pattern of the circuit substrate 21. However,it is usually difficult to arrange the antenna at the center of thecircuit substrate 21, due to the arrangement of the other parts, forminiaturizing the total size of the apparatus.

Therefore, it is enough to provide a configuration that the orthogonalprojection of the antenna element 1A, whose projected plane is on theground pattern, is included in the ground pattern.

Alternatively, it is enough to provide a configuration that theorthogonal projection of the antenna element 1A, whose projected planeis on the ground pattern, is smaller in area than the ground pattern.

Practical examples of such configurations will now be described, inwhich the orthogonal projection of the antenna element 1A, whoseprojected plane is on the ground pattern, is included in the groundpattern, or, the orthogonal projection of the antenna element 1A, whoseprojected plane is on the ground pattern, is smaller in area than theground pattern.

FIG. 5 illustrates a mounted state of the inverted-F antenna.

On the upper surface of the circuit substrate 2, a ground pattern 15 ismounted at a position facing the antenna element 1A.

In addition, on the upper surface of the circuit substrate 2, drivesignal electrode patterns 16 are mounted for drive signals to drive theLCD 10.

Wiring to the LCD 10 of a compact apparatus having an LCD panel isusually realized by connecting drive signal electrodes embedded in theLCD 10 itself and the drive signal electrode patterns 16 mounted on theupper surface of the circuit substrate 21 via the conductive rubber 21(refer to FIG. 1).

In general, the LCD 10 that functions as a user interface of theapparatus is arranged at the center thereof. In the case of such anarrangement, the drive signal electrode patterns 16 and a display driverfor generating drive signals or a CPU including a display driver, whichare not shown, are arranged on the back of the LCD 10. Thus, the area onthe circuit substrate 2, which corresponds to the LCD 10, is occupied bywiring for connecting the drive signal electrode patterns 16 and theCPU.

In this case, a multilayer substrate may be used to arrange such awiring section on another layer utilizing through holes.

However, this method still requires the same substrate area compared toa wiring configuration without a multilayer substrate. This means thatutilizing a multilayer substrate does not contribute to the reduction ofthe area used on the substrate.

After all, this results in that the central part on the upper surface ofthe circuit substrate 2 is occupied by the drive signal electrodepatterns 16 of the LCD 10. Thus, there arises a restriction that theinverted-F antenna 1 and the ground pattern 15 have to be arranged ateither one end of the circuit substrate 2.

The ground pattern 15 shown in FIG. 5 is mounted in some shape, notnecessarily rectangular, at one end of the upper surface of the circuitsubstrate 2.

In this case, the orthogonal projection of the antenna element 1A, whoseprojected plane is on the ground pattern, is included in the groundpattern 15. Alternatively, the orthogonal projection of the antennaelement 1A, whose projected plane is on the ground pattern, is smallerin area than the ground pattern 15.

A practical example is that, when a frequency to be used is 2.5 [GHz], alength of the antenna element 1A is approximately 28 [mm] in itslongitudinal direction and a height from the circuit substrate 2 is 2[mm]. Under such conditions, the antenna device can be configured tohave the antenna element 1A whose width is approximately 2 [mm].

When taking it account that the member composing the antenna element 1Ahas enough strength, a thickness of the antenna element 1A can be set toapproximately 0.2 [mm].

Incidentally, it is possible that the width and thickness of the antennaelement are determined to optimum values based on conditions, such asphysical strength of material composing the antenna element 1A, spacingallowed on the circuit substrate 2, and a necessary antenna gain. Whenthe antenna element 1A is made up of urethane-coated copper wire, thereare advantages in size, workability, and manufacturing cost.

[3] Antenna Retaining Mechanism in First and Second Embodiments

A retaining mechanism of the antenna used in the first and secondembodiments will now be described.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing only the peripheral part of theantenna element 1A shown in FIG. 1.

The antenna element 1A positioned over the circuit substrate 2 isretained from the upper side thereof by the plastic member 3 (hatchedpart) which also functions as a securing frame for the LCD 10. Thisretainment prevents the antenna element 1A from moving upward from thecircuit substrate 2.

An approximately parallel part of the antenna element 1A to the circuitsubstrate 2 is therefore kept parallel to the circuit substrate 2. Theinverted-F antenna 1 thus constructed has minimal variation in a degreeof parallel to the circuit substrate 2 when the antenna is mounted. As aresult, variation in the characteristics of the inverted-F antenna 1 canbe reduced.

FIG. 7 illustrates another example of the retaining mechanism.

In this example, as shown in FIG. 7, the plastic member shown in FIG. 6is replaced by a plastic member 3B which also loads plastic materialbeneath the antenna element. If taking the structure into consideration,part of the watchcase may be used as a plastic member having the abovefunction.

Thus, the plastic member 3B retains the antenna element 1A from itsupper and lower sides.

This structure prevents the antenna element 1A from being deformed fromits upper and lower sides.

Accordingly, the deformation of the antenna can be suppressed further.

It is well known that the wavelength of a high-frequency signal isshortened by the impedance of the space through which the signal istransmitted.

When placing a dielectric member around the antenna, the wavelength of afrequency to be used is therefore shortened according to a dielectricconstant of the dielectric member around the antenna.

Accordingly, when a section of the plastic member 3 or 3B, which ispositioned closely to the upper (and/or lower) side of the antennaelement 1A, is set to have an optimum area, the length of the elementthat resonates at a desired frequency in the air can adequately beadjusted to a shorter value.

In addition, changing materiel of the plastic member 3 or 3B into memberhaving a higher dielectric constant will lead to antennas that are morecompact.

The above retaining mechanism is able to provide compact antennas,without particular manufacturing process such as a ceramic chip antenna.In particular, by using a feature of a dielectric such as plastic whichis usually used in the watch-shaped radio apparatus 100, the antenna canbe made compact so as to have a practical size, without increasingmanufacturing cost unnecessarily.

A plastic member is generally used as a securing member incorporatedwithin apparatuses including digital watches and compact informationdevices. In this respect, however, the securing member is not limited toone made of plastic. Various kinds of members made of differentdielectric members are usable for shortening the antenna. It istherefore preferable that the securing member be chosen withconsideration of excellence in workability, incombustibility, cost, andothers.

[4] Formation of Ground Pattern

How to form the ground pattern will now be described.

FIG. 8 is an illustration showing an example of forming the groundpattern for a multilayer substrate. FIG. 9 is a sectional view of themultilayer substrate shown in FIG. 8.

In FIG. 8, a circuit substrate 2A is a multilayer substrate, in which,as shown in FIG. 9, circuit patterns can be mounted on inner layers aswell as its surface.

More specifically, a ground pattern 17 is mounted over the almost entiresurface of at least one of the inner layer substrates.

The ground pattern 17 is connected to the ground pattern 15 formed onthe front surface of the circuit substrate 2A via a plurality of throughholes 18.

The area of the ground pattern 15 is restricted by the drive signalelectrode patterns 16 of the LCD 10, as described before. As shown inFIG. 8, the ground pattern 15 is therefore made larger in area than, atleast, the orthogonal projection of the antenna element 1A to the groundpattern 15. In addition, a conductive connection with the ground pattern17 on inner layers provides a larger ground pattern area. To obtain asufficient ground pattern area to the antenna element 1A, it istherefore preferable that the area of the ground pattern 17 on innerlayers spread over the almost entire surface on the inner layers.Alternatively, if there is a margin for an antenna gain owing to thesystem configuration of the watch-shaped radio apparatus 100, the innersubstrates are partly used for other wiring patterns.

FIG. 10 exemplifies a radiation pattern of the thus-constructedinverted-F antenna device.

The characteristic is changed correspondingly to the shape of a casewhen the watch-shaped radio apparatus 100 is practically produced. Withthis respect considered, FIG. 10 exemplifies a radiation pattern of onlyan inner circuit module excluding the case back 7 (refer to FIG. 1).This result reveals that a direction showing a maximum gain is differentfrom that of a dipole antenna, because there is an influence from partsother than the antenna.

However, it is understood that the radiation pattern has no problem forpractical uses.

[5] Wearing Watch-shaped Radio Apparatus

Wearing a wristwatch-shaped radio apparatus according to the embodimentsof the present invention on the user's wrist will now be described.

In FIG. 1, the case back 7 made of metal such as stainless steel ispositioned beneath the watch-shaped radio apparatus according to theembodiments of the present invention.

The case back 7 is conductibly connected to the positive electrode ofthe battery 6 by way of terminal plates or others. The negativeelectrode of the battery 6 is electrically connected to the groundpattern of the circuit substrate 2 by way of terminal plates or others.Similarly, the positive electrode of the button type battery 6 is alsoelectrically connected to a power source on the circuit substrate 2through terminal plates or others. A by-pass capacitor is normallyelectrically connected between a power source terminal and a groundterminal, thereby the circuit being stabilized by a reduced value ofimpedance of the power source. In the case of such high-frequencyapparatuses, the patterns of the ground and power source are consideredto have the same potential in AC (alternating current) to the earthpotential.

By the way, in cases where the watch-shaped radio apparatus 100configured as shown in FIG. 8 is worn on the user's wrist, theinverted-F antenna 1 is located on the upper side of the apparatus,which is spaced apart from the wrist. In contrast, the ground pattern 15mounted on the upper surface of the circuit substrate 2A is positionedunder the inverted-F antenna 1.

Further, a ground pattern 17 is positioned on inner layers of thecircuit substrate 2A. Further, under the ground pattern formed on theinner layers, the battery 6 and also the case back 7, having a largerarea, are positioned. As stated above, the metal-made case back 7 can beregarded as being the same in potential in AC as the ground pattern ofthe circuit substrate 2A. That is, the metal-made case back 7 has theeffect to widen the ground area to the inverted-F antenna 1.

Moreover, this wearing results in that the user's body (arm) isconnected to the ground potential of the antenna via the case back 7.The user's body itself can be considered the ground when the apparatusis worn by a user, thus providing a configuration in which the groundarea is further widened to the antenna.

[6] Advantages of First and Second Embodiments

The foregoing first and second embodiments are able to provide theadvantages as bellow.

(1) There can be provided a compact-size radio apparatus having aninverted-F antenna integrally formed with a circuit substrate.

(2) The size of the antenna element can be shortened than that requiredin the air by placing a dielectric member around the antenna, so that acompact radio apparatus can be provided.

(3) Additionally, as the dielectric member placed around the antenna, asecuring member disposed in the apparatus can be used in common.Therefore, it is possible to provide radio apparatuses which are madecompact by an efficient use of the inner space and which exhibitstabilized antenna characteristics of which variations being adjusted bythe use of an antenna retaining mechanism.

(4) The antenna is arranged over the upper surface of the substrate,while the ground pattern, battery, and metal-made case back are arrangedin turn from beneath the substrate. This results in that, when theapparatus is worn by a user, a portion positioned under the substrate,including the user's body, is given the ground potential. Therefore, acompact radio apparatus can be provided, which has a larger ground areato the antenna element when worn on the user's body.

(5) Making an antenna compact is prerequisite for miniaturization of aradio apparatus. It is considered that an operating frequency is raisedto attain such a compact apparatus. However, the operating frequency hasalready been assigned to a given value by regulations and others, so nochoice can be done freely.

Therefore, in order to make a smaller antenna under the predeterminedregulations and to raise an antenna gain at the same time, the followingpoints have to be taken into consideration.

The consideration should be given to the configuration of the antennaitself, how to form the ground, and a relationship with memberspositioned around the antenna.

Furthermore, in the case that the apparatus is designed to be worn by auser, a relationship with the human body must be taken intoconsideration so as to accomplish an optimum antenna operation.

As described above, the antenna is optimized with respect to arelationship with its constituents, and there can be provided a compactradio apparatus whose operating characteristics are stable even when auser wears the apparatus.

[7] Third Embodiment

The inverted-F antenna 1 in the first and second embodiments has beenconstructed three-dimensionally, in which the feeding line should beconnected to the antenna perpendicularly.

This structure causes the distance between the antenna element and thesubstrate to be longer and the feeding line to be longer. It becomestherefore difficult to realize a given value of the strength of theantenna itself and to hold the antenna in parallel to the ground.

Additionally, when arranging the antenna outside the case, there is apossibility that the structure becomes complicated, because a connectingportion between the feeding line and the antenna should be placedoutside the case as well.

This will raise a possibility that the static electricity reaches theradio circuit through the feeding line and the radio circuit is damaged,when the static electricity is attracted to the antenna in a case wherethe feeding line connects the antenna with the radio circuit.

Accordingly, in place of the feeding line 1B described in the first orsecond embodiment, a third embodiment adopts a feeding line 1C arrangedin parallel with the antenna element 1A (refer to FIG. 11).

FIG. 11 is a schematic sectional view of a watch-shaped radio apparatusaccording to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 hasthe same or identical reference numerals as to those in the firstembodiment shown in FIG. 1, which are represented by the same referencenumerals.

As shown in FIG. 11, an inverted-L antenna 51 is configuredthree-dimensionally as an antenna device for a high-frequency radioapparatus, which is incorporated in a watch-shaped radio apparatus 100A.

FIG. 12 shows a schematic perspective view of the top of thewatch-shaped radio apparatus 100A.

As shown in FIG. 12, a ground pattern 15 is mounted on the circuitsubstrate 2.

FIG. 13A is a plan view of the inverted-L antenna 51 of the thirdembodiment, while the FIG. 13B is a front view thereof.

The inverted-L antenna 51 comprises, as stated above, a plate-likeantenna element 1A whose one end is folded in the L-shape, and a feedingline 1C arranged so as to be in parallel with a longitudinal section ofthe antenna element 1A at a position spaced apart by a predetermineddistance from the antenna element 1A.

The feeding line 1C is secured at a position that provides a given valueof impedance of the inverted-L antenna 51 after being secured. Theimpedance value is 50 [Ω], for example.

[8] Fourth Embodiment

FIGS. 14A and 14B show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. InFIGS. 14A and 14B, the same or identical reference numerals as to thosein FIGS. 11, 12, 13A or 13B are shown with the same reference numerals.

FIG. 14A is a plan view showing the mounted-state inverted-L antenna 51according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14B is a front view showing themounted-state inverted-L antenna 51 of the fourth embodiment.

On the upper surface of the circuit substrate 21, the electric conductorpattern (plane electrodes) 22 is mounted.

One end of the antenna element 1A is conductibly secured to theconductor pattern 22.

The feeding line 1C is conductibly connected to a feeding terminalpattern 23 mounted on the circuit substrate 21. In accomplishing thisconfiguration, it is also possible to use a hole pattern as the feedingterminal pattern 23, which is a through hole formed through the circuitsubstrate 21, and solder the feeding line 1B after inserted into thehole pattern.

Further, the feeding terminal pattern 23 is linked to the ground (earth)potential in DC (direct current) to a signal supplied from theinverted-L antenna 51.

For the sake of easier understanding, FIGS. 14A and 14B do not showcircuit parts and other structural components on the circuit substrate21, but show only the antenna part.

The length of the antenna element 1A which composes the inverted-Lantenna 51 is approximately a quarter of a wavelength of a frequency tobe used, including its folded portion; for example, approximately 3 [cm]at a frequency of 2.5 [GHz].

The feeding line 1C is connected to a position on the antenna element 1Aso that the position corresponds to a predetermined value of impedance(for example, 50 [Ω]) to the ground potential in the vicinity of thefeeding terminal pattern 23.

Impedance values of circuit terminals and wiring are determined so thatthe impedance of signal lines connecting with the feeding terminalpattern 23 from a not-shown circuit is also set to an identical value(for example, 50 [Ω]).

Specifically, concerning signal lines connected to the feeding terminalpattern 23, it is preferable, in matching the inverted-L antenna 51 withthe signal lines, that the signal lines be formed by strip lines, with agiven value of impedance, arranged on the back (not shown) of thecircuit substrate 21.

Theoretically, it is best that the inverted-L antenna 51 be arranged atthe center of the ground pattern of the circuit substrate 21. However,it is usually difficult to arrange the antenna at the center of thecircuit substrate 21, due to the arrangement of the other parts, forminiaturizing the total size of the apparatus.

Therefore, it is enough to provide a configuration that the orthogonalprojection of the antenna element 1A, whose projected plane is on theground pattern, is included in the ground pattern.

Alternatively, it is enough to provide a configuration that theorthogonal projection of the antenna element 1A, whose projected planeis on the ground pattern, is smaller in area than the ground pattern.

Practical examples of configurations will now be described, in which theorthogonal projection of the antenna element 1A, whose projected planeis on the ground pattern, is included in the ground pattern, or, theorthogonal projection of the antenna element 1A, whose projected planeis on the ground pattern, is smaller in area than the ground pattern.

FIG. 15 illustrates a mounted state of the inverted-L antenna.

On the upper surface of the circuit substrate 2, a ground pattern 15 ismounted at a position facing the antenna element 1A.

In addition, on the upper surface of the circuit substrate 2, drivesignal electrode patterns 16 is mounted for drive signals to drive theLCD 10.

Wiring to the LCD 10 of a compact apparatus having an LCD panel isusually realized by connecting drive signal electrodes embedded in theLCD 10 itself and the drive signal electrode patterns 16 mounted on theupper surface of the circuit substrate 2 via the conductive rubber 21(refer to FIG. 1).

In general, the LCD 10 that functions as a user interface of theapparatus is arranged at the center thereof. In the case of such anarrangement, the drive signal electrode patterns 16 and a display driverfor generating drive signals or a CPU including a display driver, whichis not shown, are arranged on the back of the LCD 10. Thus, the area onthe circuit substrate 2, which corresponds to the LCD 10, is occupied bywiring for connecting the drive signal electrode patterns 16 and theCPU.

The ground pattern 15 as shown in FIG. 15 is mounted in a shape, notnecessarily rectangular, at one end of the upper surface of the circuitsubstrate 2.

In this case, the orthogonal projection of the antenna element 1A, whoseprojected plane is on the ground pattern, is included in the groundpattern 15. Alternatively, the orthogonal projection of the antennaelement 1A, whose projected plane is on the ground pattern, is smallerin area than the ground pattern 15.

[9] Fifth Embodiment

FIGS. 16A and 16B show a fifth embodiment of the present invention. InFIGS. 16A and 16B, the same or identical reference numerals as to thosein FIGS. 11, 12, 13A or 13B are shown with the same reference numerals.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 16A, an inverted-L antenna 71comprises an antenna element 1D composed of an L-shaped wire and afeeding line 1C composed of an approximately U-shaped wire.

The antenna element 1D and the feeding line 1C can easily be formed by,for example, bending wires such as urethane-coated copper wires.

As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the feeding line 1C is arranged so thatits longitudinal direction becomes parallel with the antenna element 1D,along by a side of the antenna element 1D.

In addition, the feeding line 1C is arranged so that it keeps a properelectric coupling with the antenna element 1D. Practically, as shown inFIGS. 17A and 17B, one end of the feeding line 1C is electricallyconnected with the feeding point 23, while the other end is electricallyconnected with the ground pattern 22. This arrangement permits theimpedance observed from the feeding point 23 to be set to a desiredvalue (for example, 50 [Ω]) at a frequency to be used.

An example of a radiation pattern of the inverted-L antenna 71thus-constructed is shown in FIG. 18.

As shown in FIG. 18, although the gain in a directional range of 135 to225 degrees may be worse than that of a dipole antenna, the gain in theremaining directional range is better than that of a dipole antenna.

FIG. 19 shows an example of arranging the antenna on the substrate, whenthe antenna device described in the fifth embodiment is incorporatedinto a wristwatch-shaped radio apparatus.

The feeding line 1C is arranged in parallel with a side of the antennaelement 1D of the inverted-L antenna 71, and one end of the feeding line1C is electrically connected with the feeding point 23, whilst the otherend is electrically connected to the ground pattern 15 which is mountedunder the antenna element 1D.

In the case of FIG. 19, only a set of the antenna element 1D, feedingline 1C, and LCD drive electrodes 16 are depicted. It is preferable thatthe antenna element 1D be retained in parallel to the ground pattern 15with the help of a plastic member or others.

[10] Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 20 is a schematic sectional view showing a watch-shaped radioapparatus of a sixth embodiment, and FIG. 21 is a schematic perspectiveview from the top thereof.

The sixth embodiment concerns an arrangement of an inverted-L antenna,in which part of an antenna element 1E thereof, which is parallel withthe ground pattern 15 on the circuit substrate 2, is placed on the uppersurface of the case.

Practically, one end of an L-shaped antenna element penetrates the case4 to be connected to the ground pattern in the case. A feeding line 1Fis placed under the antenna element 1E spaced apart therefrom. Thefeeding line 1F, which is parallel with the antenna element 1E, isplaced non-contacted with the antenna element 1E. Thus, signals inducedin the antenna element 1E are transmitted to each circuit on the circuitsubstrate 2 via the feeding line 1F. As shown in FIG. 22A, an antennaelement 1E can be arranged to partly come out from the case 4 or can bemade of a conductor electrode formed on the upper surface of the case 4by means of, for example, vapor deposition. In the latter case, theantenna element 1E, which is the conductor electrode on the uppersurface of the case, is connected to the ground pattern in the casethrough a conductor 1EC, as illustrated in FIG. 22B. If a metal plate isarranged on the upper surface of the case 4, a screw to fasten the metalplate may be made to penetrate the case 4 and connect with the groundpattern in the case 4.

In cases where the antenna device according to the present invention isembedded in a watch-shaped radio apparatus, an attention how to arrangethe antenna has to be paid, because members surrounding the antenna mayhave a greater influence on its characteristics.

[11] Advantages of Third to Sixth Embodiments

Members which exert influence upon the characteristics of the antennainclude the plastic member closed to the antenna, case, battery, andcase back. To avoid these influence, it may be considered that theantenna be arranged as far from the substrate as possible. The antennathus arranged is easier to optimize, because influences on the antenna,which arises from members surrounding the antenna, are lessened.Additionally, since there is also no member which covers the antenna,better sensitivity of the antenna can be easily obtained.

Alternatively, in cases where the antenna is placed outside the case, itshould be considered that static electricity may be induced in theantenna. In general, static electricity induced by the human body isestimated to have about 10 [kV], in some cases, reaching 30 [kV].

Therefore, it is not preferable to place the antenna element,conductibly connecting to the circuit feeding point, and the feedingline outside the case as in the inverted-F antenna, because staticelectricity is easily attracted to the circuit.

In contrast, the antenna and feeding line structure of the third tosixth embodiments are constructed in consideration of these conditions.The antenna element is electrically connected to the ground pattern onthe circuit substrate in a direct manner and electric charges flowoutside the case through the ground pattern, while signals induced bythe antenna element are sent to the circuit by way of the non-contactfeeding line.

Accordingly, the third to sixth embodiments have the advantagesdescribed below.

(1) Compared to the inverted-F antenna, the inverted-L antenna issimple, thus making it easier to produce the antenna and lowering cost.

(2) Arranging the antenna outside the case makes it difficult to haveinfluence from members surrounding the antenna and leads to an easyoptimization.

(3) Arranging the antenna outside the case makes it difficult to haveinfluence from members surrounding the antenna and leads to a higherpossibility of improving the sensitivity of the antenna.

(4) Though the antenna is placed outside the case, the antenna elementis connected to the ground and signals are transmitted by using thefeeding line mounted with no contact to the antenna element. Thisprevents the circuit from being damaged due to the static electricity.

(5) Because the antenna element is placed outside the case, the innerspace of the case can be saved, thus raising the degree of freedom forarranging the other parts, thus making the apparatus more compact.

(6) Where an antenna according to the present invention is practicedinto a watch, the antenna is arranged outside the case. Therefore,influences on the antenna, which are caused from the user's body when auser wears the watch, can be lessened, increasing the sensitivity of theantenna.

[12] Modifications of Embodiments

[12.1] First Modification

In the foregoing first and second embodiments, the plate-like electrodeis used as the antenna element. However, it is possible that, forexample, as shown in FIG. 23, an antenna element 1G is made from a wireand conductibly connected to a feeding line 1H made from a wire as well.

[12.2] Second Modification

In the foregoing embodiments, one end of the antenna element is formedinto a free end. Instead, an antenna unit 1L shown in FIGS. 24A and 24Bcan be provided, in which an antenna element 1I is mounted on aretaining member 1K previously made from an appropriate dielectricmaterial or others, and then a feeding line 1J is arranged. The feedingline 1J is made to penetrate the retaining member 1K, and thenconductibly connected to the antenna element 1I.

This construction makes it easy to maintain a degree of parallel betweenthe antenna element 1I and the ground pattern on a not-shown circuitsubstrate, avoiding the degradation of an antenna performance.Additionally, the antenna unit 1L can be handled with ease.

Furthermore, appropriately selecting a material of the retaining member1K from a viewpoint of factors such as a dielectric constant leads to amore compact apparatus, with keeping the same resonant frequency to beused is the same.

Alternatively, another antenna unit 1Q shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B can beprovided, in which an antenna element 1N is mounted on a retainingmember 1M previously made from an appropriate dielectric material orothers. In this antenna unit, a feeding line 1P is also arranged, inparallel with the antenna element 1N, spaced apart by a given distancefrom the antenna element 1N. Further, both ends of the feeding line 1Pare made to penetrate the retaining member 1M to complete the antennaunit 1Q.

This construction makes it easy to maintain a degree of parallel betweenthe antenna element 1N and the ground pattern on a not-shown circuitsubstrate, avoiding the degradation of an antenna performance.Additionally, the antenna unit 1L can be handled with ease.

What is claimed is:
 1. A high-frequency radio apparatus, comprising: anantenna device for the high-frequency radio apparatus comprising: acircuit substrate; a ground pattern on the circuit substrate; a feedingpoint on the circuit substrate; a metal, L-shaped antenna element, oneend of which is connected to the ground pattern, the metal, L-shapedantenna element being located above the ground pattern; and a feedingline, one end of which is connected to the feeding point and the otherend of which is connected to the antenna element; wherein both theground pattern and the feeding point are on the same plane which is aplane defining a surface of the circuit substrate; a plurality ofelectrical circuits mounted on the circuit substrate; and a displaydevice for displaying information, the display device being positionedone side of the circuit substrate; wherein the antenna device ispositioned on the same side of the circuit substrate as the displaydevice.
 2. The high-frequency radio apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: a case comprising: a case body containing the antennadevice, the display device, and the circuit substrate; and a case backmade of conductive material; and a battery having a plurality ofelectrodes for supplying power to drive the high-frequency radioapparatus; wherein the case back is electrically connected to either aground pattern of the circuit substrate or an electrode of the battery.3. A high-frequency radio apparatus, comprising: an antenna device for ahigh-frequency radio apparatus comprising: a multi-layer circuitsubstrate; a ground pattern on one layer of the multi-layer circuitsubstrate; a feeding point on a top layer of the multi-layer circuitsubstrate; a metal, L-shaped antenna element, one end of which isconnected to the ground pattern; and a feeding line, one end of which isconnected to the feeding point and the other end of which is connectedto the antenna element; wherein both the ground pattern and the feedingpoint are on the same plane which is a plane defining a surface of thecircuit substrate; a plurality of electrical circuits mounted on thecircuit substrate; and a display device for displaying in information,the display device being positioned on one side of the circuitsubstrate; wherein the antenna device is positioned on the same side ofthe circuit substrate as the display device.
 4. The high-frequency radioapparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a case comprising: a case bodycontaining the antenna device, the display device; and the circuitsubstrate; and a case back, made of conductive material; and a batteryfor supplying power to drive the high-frequency radio apparatus; whereinthe case back is electrically connected to either the ground pattern ofthe circuit substrate or an electrode of the battery.
 5. An antennadevice for a high-frequency radio apparatus, comprising: a circuitsubstrate with a ground pattern and a feeding point; a metal, L-shapedantenna element, one end of which is connected to the ground pattern,the metal, L-shaped antenna element being located above the groundpattern; and a feeding line, one end of which is connected to thefeeding point and the other end of which is connected to the groundpattern; wherein both the ground pattern and the feeding point are onthe same plane which is a plane defining a surface of the circuitsubstrate.
 6. The antenna device of claim 5, wherein the circuitsubstrate has a plurality of layers, the feeding point and the groundpattern are formed on at least one layer of the plurality of layers, andthe ground pattern covers approximately the entire surface of the layeron which the ground pattern is formed.
 7. The antenna device of claim 5,wherein the ground pattern comprises an electrode pattern formed on asurface of the circuit substrate.
 8. The antenna device of claim 7,wherein the ground pattern is formed over approximately the entiresurface of the circuit substrate and is positioned under the antennaelement.
 9. The antenna device of claim 5, wherein a length of theantenna element is one fourth of the wavelength of the frequency to beused.
 10. A high-frequency radio apparatus, comprising: awristwatch-shaped case; an antenna device for a high-frequency radioapparatus comprising: a circuit substrate with a ground pattern and afeeding point; a metal, L-shaped antenna element, one end of which isconnected to the ground pattern, the metal, L-shaped antenna elementbeing located above the ground pattern; and a feeding line, one end ofwhich is connected to the feeding point and the other end of which isconnected to the ground pattern; wherein both the ground pattern and thefeeding point are on the same plane which is a plane defining a surfaceof the circuit substrate; a plurality of electrical circuits mounted onthe circuit substrate; and a display device for displaying information,the display device being positioned on one side of the circuitsubstrate; wherein the antenna device is positioned on the same side ofthe circuit substrate as the display device and is in thewristwatch-shaped case.
 11. The high-frequency radio apparatus of claim10, wherein the circuit substrate has a plurality of layers, the feedingpoint and the ground pattern are formed on at least one layer of theplurality of layers, and the ground pattern covers approximately theentire surface of the layer on which the ground pattern is formed. 12.An antenna device for a high-frequency radio apparatus, comprising: acircuit substrate having a ground pattern and a feeding point; a metal,L-shaped antenna element, one end of which is connected to the groundpattern, the metal, L-shaped antenna element being located above theground pattern; and a feeding line, one end of which is connected to theground pattern and the other end of which is connected to the feedingpoint; wherein both the ground pattern and the feeding point are on thesame plane which is a plane defining a surface of the circuit substrate.13. The antenna device of claim 12, wherein the antenna element is madeof a metal material and connected to the ground pattern via a conductivemember made of the same material as the antenna element, the antennaelement and the conductive member being integrally formed into anL-shape.
 14. A watch-shaped radio apparatus, comprising: awristwatch-shaped case; and an antenna device for a high-frequency radioapparatus, comprising: a circuit substrate having a ground pattern, afeeding point, and a radio circuit on the circuit substrate; an antennaelement, one end of which is electrically connected to the groundpattern and is in contact with an upper surface of the case, the antennaelement being located above the ground pattern; and a feeding line, oneend of which is connected to the ground pattern and the other end ofwhich is connected to the feeding point; wherein both the ground patternand the feeding point are on the same plane which is a plane defining asurface of the circuit substrate; wherein the wristwatch-shaped casecontains the antenna device.